I’ve gotten to spend a little bit of time behind the bars of the new 2022 Blast XR and Im nearly certain Ill be spring ordering one through Snowmageddon.
If youve been following the site this season, youll know I purchased a 2021 Blast ZR. Our family has fallen in love with that snowmobile. The fun factor is off the charts, engine is quick, its lightweight and I can’t say enough about having reverse and turn-key electric start.
The new Blast XR has all the same attributes, but improves upon some of the ZRs shortcomings if you want to play in deeper snow, and want to bridge the trail bumps better. That’s all thanks to the longer 146-in. skidframe and deeper lug (1.6-in.) track.
I upgraded to the Blast ZR after selling our minty Z440 Sno Pro – An amazing snowmobile in its own right, but ours was a cross-country race sled with spot-on clutching and a precision-tuned starting nuance for racing no family member could understand but me. (If its cold, part choke, pull once, flip choke off, pull again, itll pop, but pull again, stand on your head, do a cartwheel…sigh)
Try explaining that to a kid over the phone when you’re traveling and they wanna ride. The ol gal left my kids stranded one too many times after flipping the choke when it was warm and flooding it. THIS is why I sing the praises of the Blasts electric start and engine reverse. No matter what age, or experience, riders in our family started the Blast without explanation, and not one call this winter from anyone stranded on the trail…nor did I worry! Hooray! Money well spent.
Lets take a look at the XR’s details…
New for 2022, Blast announces a new revolution in 50/50 trail crossover mid-size performance – Blast XR 4000 – a right-sized package built to turn trail and legal backcountry riding into your playground.
Centered around the newest C-TEC2 engine from Arctic Cat – a 397cc single-cylinder two-stroke with 65-class horsepower and Electronic Fuel Injection, the XR adds deep snow engineering DNA straight from the Blast LT.
Starting with the proven Arctic Drive System, power delivery via CVTech clutches is quick and precise for smile-inducing fun factor. When you gas-up the 11.7 gallon fuel tank for your adventure, you’ll quickly realize how far your backcountry or trail ride will take you.
The C-TEC2 engine performance is matched by a lightweight chassis delivering an ultra-rigid platform and optimal riding position Arctic Cat perfected. Up front, the lightweight AMS suspension has a 37.5-38.5-in. adjustable ski stance working in harmony with the chassis offering 7.2-in. of bump-eating travel and paired with Trail-6 skis.
Directly underneath the rear of the chassis, the 146-in. suspension provides all you’ll ever need to traverse trail and deep snow with 12.5-in. of travel, adjustable torsion springs, a 15-in. wide Cobra track and 1.6-in. lug.
The right-sized seat height and premium handlebars with hooked bar ends provide ergonomic comfort and a precision input at every corner.
Dash mounted rocker controls are easy to use when switching on hand/thumb warmers, headlights or engaging engine reverse. The digital instrument gauge transmits all info brightly and magnetic tether switch is standard.
The performance-inspired bodywork shares a 4-in. race-height windshield and comes in Gold with a commemorative 60thAnniversary badge.
Snowmageddon Ordering and Trail Blazer Accessory Kit
During the Snowmageddon Order period you’ll get your best deal of the season. The Blast XR 4000 is available in Gold with an Accessory Kit option that includes a ProClimb front bumper, 15.5-in. windshield and mid-size rear storage trail pack.